Frame structure for printing press units and assembling method therefor



Aug. 16, 1949. H. E. PEYREBRUNE ET AL 2,479,023

FRAME STRUCTURE FOR PRINTING PRESS UNITS AND ASSEMBLING METHOD THEBEFOR Filed Aug. 3, 1946 '.5 Sheets-Sheet l 40 J6 40 jj 40 www I H. E. PEYREBRUNE ET AL 2,479,023 FRAME STRUCTURE FOR PRINTING PRESS UNITS v AND ASSEMBLING METHOD THEREFOR Aug. I6, 1949.

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 5, 1946 um www INVENTOR.

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Filed Aug. s, 194e Patented Ang. 16, 1949 FOB PRINTING m88 SEMBLING m01) FRAME STRUCTURE AND AS UNITS THEREFOB Henri E. Peyrebrune, River Forest, and Arthur G. Jacobson, Chicago. lll.. mignon, by meme alolgninents, to Miehie Printing Presa Manufacturing Company, Chicago. lil., a

y0f Delaware corporation Application Algllt 3, 1948, Serial No. 688,276

z claim. l

The invention relates to printing presses and has reference in particular to lithographie offset presses of the rotary type having improved frame structure which will facilitate assembly of the press and especially the side frames with their printing cylinders and which improved frame structure will provide a press operable as an .independent unit or which may be combined with other units for multi-color printing.

For color work it is possible to print in two or more colors with the better work being printed in four or ive colors including at leastrthe primary colors of red, yellow and blue, and a black impression. For this multi-color work single color printing presses have been arranged in tandem with each press having its complement of printing cylinders and adjacent presses having a transfer cylinder between the same for transferring the sheets from the impression cylinder of one unit, where they receive one color, to the impression cylinder of the other unit to receive their second color impression. Many diiliculties are encountered in the design of a multi-'color press arranged for unit operation as above described, as, for example, the necessary requirement for perfect register of the impression from each printing couple, the need for adequate time between impressions for the ink to dry, and the desirability of providing maximum accessibility for each unit. k v

The above objectives are generally obtained by i for combining the units in tandem for multi-color l the construction of printing press and transfer means therefor as disclosed and claimed in the patent to Jacobson 2,100,852, granted November 30, i1937, and entitled Printing press. In the printing press disclosed in said patent a plurality of rotary sheet transfer drums are located between adjacent printing couples for taking the printed sheets from the impression cylinder of the first of said printing couples and conveying said sheets past the blanket cylinder of the same to the impression cylinder of the next printing couple.y The transfer drums have an operativel diameter substantially equal to that of the printing couples and the resulting printing press has the advantage that height is kept to a minimum and adequate space is provided between units for accessibility and drying time.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide structural frame members for such a press of improved design and construction and which frame members in assembled relation will provide a unit press operable independently or which may be added to other units for multicolor work.

(Cl. lol-183) Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a unit printing press having improved structural-side frames which when assembled will constitute a complete press having journalling means for a full complement of printing cylinders and also transfer drums and which frames will be constructed and arranged printing with the printing couple of each unit printing one colorv and the transfer drums of each unit passing the sheet in proper register onto the next unit.

Another object is to provide a unit printing press having improved structural frame members with accurately machined surfaces for contact with the machined surfaces of an adjacent unit and which frameniembers will also have accurately aligned journal openings for rotatably mounting the necessary printing cylinders and transfer drums.

A further object of the invention is to provide side frames of improved construction for a unit press which permit assembling of the same wherein the press side frames are erected, accurately aligned, and the printing and transfer cylinders are then inserted in their respective aligned openings.

A further and more speciiic object ofthe invention is to provide side frames for a press capable of unit operation in multi-color work and which frames are `characterized by channeled grooves on their inside. surface and other structural features providing the necessary clearance for certain printing cylinders and their associated shafts whereby the cylinders may be inserted following erecting of the side frames and removed without disturbing saidframes.

Among the many advantages which our invention accomplishes are the elimination of auxiliary frames for the sheet transfer members, which frames heretofore were placed between adjacent printing unit frames. This results in a much more rigid frame structure than is the case when separate frame sections for one or more of the sheet transferring members are provided.

, This feature has the added advantage of reducing the number of press frame members to a minimum. Furthermore. all the frame units are made as nearly alike as possible, thereby simplifying the assembly of multi-unit presses and rendering the frame members readily interchangeable.

The improved structure also provides the added advantage that the press frame as it is being assembled can be accurately lined up and all introducing rigid girt members which bridge the two side frames of a printing press unit at the lower parts thereof. This assures increased cross sectional strength at the base section of the frame structure. Furthermore, the clamping surfaces between adjacent unit frames are of a maximum height, i. e., length, which together with the inverted T-beam cross section given to the side frame members at theirbase, adds to the rigidity of the complete press framestructure.

With these and various other objects and advantages in view, the invention may consist of certain novel features of construction and operation, as will be more fully described and particularly pointed out in the specication, drawings and claims appended hereto.

In the drawings fwhich illustrate an embodiment of the device and whereinv like reference characters are used to designate like parts- Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the improved frame structure of two unit printing presses coupled for tandem operation;

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the inside surface of one side frame'member showing the improved structure of the invention;

Figure 3 is an elevational view of the inside surface of the other side framemember and showing the improved structure of the invention;

Figure 4 is a sectional view illustrating themanner of inserting the cylinders in the assembled frame structure of a unit press;

Figure 5 is a schematic sectional showing of reenforcing girt members applied to the base structure of the side frames, taken along line V-V of Figure 2; and

Figure 6 represents a partial cross section of the side frames and one of the girt members associated therewith, taken along line VI-VI of Figure 5.

Referring to the drawings, the frame structure of `the unit press selected for illustrating the present invention consists of side frame members I3 and II which areerected in spaced apart relation to form the respective sides of the press, the frame member I0 comprising the gear side 4 likewise the height of each side frame is also maintained accurate within predetermined tolerances.

- The thickness of each side frame member. which gives toKthe machined surfaces considerable area, results from the inwardly directed edge flanges such as I8, I9, 20 and 2| which denne the perimeter of each side frame. Reinforcing webs are provided in combination with the said inwardly directed edge flanges and said webs include the horizontal webs 22 and the vertical webs 23. A plurality of journal openings are provided in the base section of each frame for journalling transfer drums, and said journal openings are defined by inwardly directed circular bearing flanges which provide sufficient thickness for receiving and retaining the bearings for the respective drum shafts. In Figure 2 the'left hand end of side frame II represents the feeder end ofthe press and the journal openings for the transfer drums are indicated by 25, 26 and 21, each opening being dened by the circular bearing flanges 28` forming anr inwardly directed boss which connects with the webs 22 and 23. The top section of each side frame also hasa, Journal opening 30 defined by the bearing flanges forming the inwardly directed boss 32 and in accordance with the invention access to this journal opening is especially provided for by the channel 'or vertical slot 33 which extends vfrom the top surface 34 to the journal opening 30. This facilitates insertion of the impression cylinder 35 in a manner which will be presently described in detail. Another journal opening is indicated by 36 for journalling the blanket cylinder 31, the said opening in the frames I0 and I I being defined by bearing structure which forms the inwardly directed boss 38, see Figures 1 and 3. The top machined surface I6 is interrupted by the semi-circular journal vopening 40 for receiving the plate cylinder 42, it being understood that this top section of each side frame is supplemented by additional frame structure, not shown, which is securely bolted to the top surface I5 and which completes the journal open- Y ing 40 in addition to supporting a plurality of and frame member II comprising the feeder or f operator side. The frames have been designed; and are therefore particularly adapted. for a unit press operable as an independent unit or capable of having other units combined therewith in tandem for multiple operation. Accordingly, each side frame has a shape in elevation approximately simulating an inverted T, including a base section l2 and a top section I3, the sections forming an integral unit and which has considerable thickness to provide a strong and durable structure for journalling a ffull complement of printing cylinders and transfer drums.

In accordance with the invention, the frames are machined to provide accurate surfaces on the front I4, rear I5, top I6 and bottom I1. As a result of the machined surfaces, the length of the base section of each side frame is maintained inking rollers for inkingthe plate cylinder in the conventional manner, as well understood in the printing art.

The sheets of paper to be printed are presented to the impression cylinder 35 by feeding mechalnism after the sheets have been registered. They are printed as a result of passing between the impression cylinder 35 and the blanket cylinder 31, the said cylinders together with the plate cylinder 42 comprising the printing couple of this particular printing unit. The printed sheets are delivered to the transfer drum 44 and then transferred to transfer drum 45 located adjacent' the rear machined edges I5 ofthe press frame structure. The next transfer takes place between drum 45 and drum 43 of the next adjacent press unit, having gearing relation with the first unit and arranged in tandem therewith for multiunit operation, as in color printing. The transfer drum 43 of the second unit press is journalled by the openings 25. of the frame structure of said unit and this drum operates to deliver the sheets to the impression cylinder of the unit whereby the same are subjected to a second printing operation. When two such press umts are coupled in tandem, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, to form a multiple-unit press, it will be seen that transfer from one unit to the next is materially facilitated by the correlated relation and I5r` are accurately machined so that the length Aof each basel section of aframe is accurate within predetermined tolerances. -In addition to the accuracy givento the frames by the machined surfaces, the journal openings are formed in each side frame in predetermined locations and are accurate in regard to the side edges and also thetop and bottom edges of the frame. By merely coupling two unit presses together, the last transfer drum 45 of the first unit is located in proper transferring relation kwith the first transfer drum 43 of the second unit, it being understood that the predetermined tolerances as above mentioned are such as to produce this transferring function. For coupling the press units, the machined surfaces l5 andl i4, comprising the rear surface of the rst unit and the front surface of the second unit, are respectively brought into contact and the flanges I8 and I8 are bolted together by bolts 45 and preferably dowel pinned, as clearly illustrated in vFigures 2 and 3.

The frame structure of each individual printing unit facilitates erecting of the side frame members and the same also permits the insertion of the various cylinders after the side frames have been erected and secured in accurate aligned relation. The frame members I8 and il of each unit are spaced the proper distance, as shownin Figure 1, and tie rods 41, 48 and lower girt 48, see Figures 5 and 6, are employed to secure the frames'in said spaced relation and to maintain them accurately and firmly aligned. These girts 4.9' are preferably supported at each end on the sillsor flanges 2| provided at the base portion of each frame section I'Il and Il. The girts are suitably bolted to the frames l and il, as indicated in Figures and 6,- or they can be secured thereto in any other conventional manner. Preferably the girts are formed with interior ribs for reenforcing purposes, see Figure 6.

It will be seen that these girts, which have the function of a Spanner, rigidly bridging the two side frames of a press, will assure maximum cross sectional strength at the base of the frame structure. With this improvement any disturbance in the alignment of the frame members, whichmay otherwise be caused due to weak parts of a pressroom floor, will definitely be avoided.

'I'he journal openings for the cylinders align themselves automatically withthe assembling of the frames, since the openings in each frame are accurately located with respect to the machined surfaces. With the side frames bolted together to form units in tandem, it will be observed that a platform support is provided between the top sections of adjacent frames. The top surfaces 50 and 5I in combination give adequate width for supporting a platform extending transversely of the press units, thereby permitting access iby the operator to the printing couples of said press units. f

The press frames of the coupled units may be conveniently levelled to secure horizontal alignment by employing the base openings 52 and 58 formed in each side frame adjacent the bottom flange 2|. The bottom surface of each opening is machined so that a levelling instrument can be laid across the spaced frames in contact with said machined surfaces provided by the openings respectively so that a check can be made as to the elevation of the side frame. The levelling instrument may be inserted in the openings 52 trans-i Y is applied transversely of the frame on the mal f 6 versely of a press unit or in openings Il whereby the front and rear elevation of the unit is checked. Also adjacent units can'be adjusted vertically by using opening 58 of the first unit and opening 52 of the unit coupled thereto. After leveling the respective frames by means of the base openings 52 and 5I, the leveling instrument chined surfaces and 5I 'of each unit and if necessary these surfaces are corrected as to their accuracy with respect to the machined surfaces of openings 52 and 58. This is important because after assembly of the various units is partially completed. surfaces 5I and 5I are not acceible for the leveling operation whereas surfaces lll and 5| are available at all times.

Following erecting and checking of the side frames It and il, it being understood that one or more press units may be bolted and dowel pinned together along edges l5 and i4 and connected by tie rods 41, 48 and lower girts 49, the cylinders may be inserted in accordance with theinvention without disturbing or disassembling the frame structure. For instance, in order to permit insertion of the impressiony cylinder, the side frame il is provided with the channel or slot 83 extending vertically into the journal opening 80. cylinder 35 having the shaft 54 is inserted by angling the cylinder and by locating one end of the` shaft in opening 85 ofthe frame lil and the other shaft end in slot 33. Movement of the impression cylinder downwardly is permitted by the bevelling of the inwardly directed boss 32 delining opening loin side frame I0. 'I'he bevel 55 extends for approximately 180 and includes the upper half of the boss 82, as shown in Figure 3, whereby clearance is provided for lowering of the impression cylinder shaft v54 Within the slot 33, whereupon the cylinder bearings may be conveniently inserted within their respective openings 30. These bearings are inserted in the openings Ill from the exterior of the press frames and are preferably of the antlfriction, preloadable type. Such bearings are inserted while in loose fitting condition and tightened to the desired degree of rigidity by the use of exterior means. The

structure of the invention makes it possible to insert or remove the impression and blanket cylinders from the frame structure of the press following erecting of the same and after the side frames have been tied together by tie rods 41, 48 and lower girts 4s and properly levelled.

For the purpose of facilitating the placing into position of the blanket cylinder of each printing unit, similar means may be provided in the frame structure as are described above in connection with the placing of the impression cylinder 35 into a frame unit.

The inwardly directed boss 38, for instance, is also formed with a bevel 51 to provide clearance during the insertion of the blanket cylinder shaft into the bearing opening 85.

In addition to this bevel, a cut-away portion 58 is provided in the upwardly extending web which defines one lateral contour of the frame member I I. 'I'his provides additional clearance for the angling of the blanket cylinder into its position which is accomplished in a substantially horizontal plane. The bevel 51 is semi-circular and is similar in all respects to the bevel 55 providedvat the journal opening 3o for the impression cylinder 85.

In the operation of inserting the blanket cylinder 31, see Figures 2 and 3. the same -is angled As shown in Figure 4, the impression v ananas A shaft can be inserted through the cut-away It and bevel l1 into the" opening 36 of the feeder side frame member I'I to complete the assembly of'this cylinder withthe frame structure.

'nie manner of inserting the bearings for the blanket cylinder is the same as described in connection with the bearings for the impression cylinder Il. i

The invention is not to be limited to or by details of construction of the particular embodiment thereof illustrated by the drawings. as various other forms of the device will ofcourse be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims. n

What we claim is: Y l. A multi-unit printing press, having in combination a plurality of identical printing units, each comprising printing cylinders and associated transfer drums, the frame structure of each unit including a pair ofmain frames each having a plurality of openings formed therein for journalling said cylinders, a series of substantially horizontallydisposed openings for journalling said drums 'in cooperative relation with one printing cylinder in each respective unit. a substantially vertical channel formed on the inside surface of one side frame of each unit and extending from a top surface of the frame to one of the journal openings in said frame whereby insertion of a cylinder into said opening and the corresponding opening in the companion side frame can be accomplished by angling said cylinder into position after complete assembling of said main frames, machined supporting surfaces formed in the upper part of each frame structure of each unit. means in the form of at least one opening provided in the base section of each side frame and having a machined bottom surface for accommodating a leveling device transversely of' the frame structure, whereby the side frames are accurately leveled when first positioned and whereby said machined supporting surfaces may be checked up and if necessary corrected as to their accuracy with respect to said machined bottom surfaces, and transverse tie other i. e. feeder end of the blanket cylinder'- beams secured tothe base section of each frame unit, said supporting surfaces being available for A checking the level setting of the assembled units vait-anytime during and after the complete assembling of the multi-unit printing press.-

2. In the method of assembling a rotary, sheet fed printing press of the class set forth, the steps including assembling the main frame of one printing unit`which frame comprises side frame members havin.,` a base and a top section, checking the spacing of said members, leveling the assembled frame structure with a leveling instrument applied transversely thereof and to machined surfaces provided therefor in the base section of said frames, checking the level relation of additional machined surfaces above the base sections of said frames. correcting any difference there-maybe by altering said additional machined surfaces, securing said members rigidly together by applying transverse tie beams to the base sections thereof, assembling in a like manner the main frames of additional printing units and securing them in tandem relation to provide the main frame for a multi-unit printing press, inserting the printing cylinders into journal openings provided in the side frame members of theassembled main frames by angling and lowering them thru substantially vertical channels provided therefor in said side frames into theirrespective journal openings. completing the assembling of each printing unit and after completion again applying a leveling instrument transversely of the main frames of each unit and to said machined surfaces provided above the base sections of said frames to thereby insure against any change in the original level setting of each completely assembled unit.

v HENRI lli.l PEYREBRUNE.

ARTHUR G. JACOBSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Huck Nov. 29, 1938 

